Hood to lead AFLW Cats

GEELONG has rewarded Paul Hood for the work he has done with the club’s VFLW program by appointing him coach of the Cats’ AFLW team for its entry into the competition in 2019.

Hood guided Geelong to eight wins in 2017 after being appointed to lead the VFL team in late 2016.

“I’m really excited to continue in the role as the Geelong Cats women’s football coach,” Hood said.

“The growth of women’s football in the Geelong region has been outstanding over the last two years and I’m looking forward to continuing to provide a pathway for young female footballers in the region and help them in their aspirations to play AFLW.

“The players in our VFLW program have been working extremely hard over the last 18 months and our entire coaching and performance team look forward to continuing to support each and every one of them.

“I’d like to thank the club and the entire staff for how well they have supported the women’s program in our inaugural VFLW season. I’m looking forward to strengthening those relationships as we move into the AFLW competition.”

Hood has been part of the Geelong program since arriving at Kardinia Park from a coaching stint at the Geelong Falcons, including coaching the men’s VFL team.

As a player, he won a Morrish Medal as TAC Cup best-and-fairest in 1995, played VFL with North Ballarat and had a decorated career with GFL club St Joseph’s.

“Paul has done a fantastic job in his role as our women’s team coach, and we believe he is the perfect coach to lead our inaugural team in the AFLW,” Geelong CEO Brian Cook said.

“Paul is enormously respected within our club and the game, and has shown himself to be an exceptional leader of our team.”